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Robert Burns

There aren’t many Scots who can claim such international recognition as Scotland’s most famous poet Robert Burns. Today tributes to the bard abound on the date of his birth, the 25th of January, known as Burns Night. Readings of his renowned poetry and the meal Burns supper form the centerpiece of a ritual celebrated worldwide

Every year, Burnsians gather for the annual conference from the Centre for Robert Burns Studies, held at Glasgow University - home to the world's biggest collection of Burns' works in the world (in the Mitchell Library).

The Scottish poet Robert Burns was born on January 25, 1759 in Alloway, Ayrshire, at what is now Burns Cottage The day of his birth is celebrated today throughout the world as Burns' Night, with Burns' Suppers, poems and songs.

As William Shakespeare is Englands national bard so Robert Burns is Scotlands.And over 250 years after he was born into a poor Ayrshire farming family the universal appeal of many of his poems and songs endures.

"When chapman billies leave the street, And drouthy neebors, neebors meet; As market-days are wearing late, An folk begin to tak the gate; While we sit bousing at the nappy, An getting fou and unco happy"
Tam O'Shanter by Robert Burns

This Burns Night, as you clear your throat before launching into a well-practiced rendition of Tam O'Shanter or 'Holy Willie's Prayer', be sure to mind your Ps and Qs, or should that be your Rs and CHs?

What is it about Robert Burns? Not even Shakespeare is remembered so personally with an annual birthday celebration. It is in the spirit of the lasting inspiration of Scotlands National Poet that we invite you to celebrate Burns Night.

A mainstay of Burns Suppers, the Immortal Memory celebrates Burns' enduring spirit. It's a fitting tribute for one who himself did so much to preserve and popularise Scotland's rich historical, cultural and literary heritage.

It could be argued that, for Burns, the lassies tended to be a fatal attraction. However, the legacy is in a canon of love poetry that spans the range of emotions from celebration of physical intimacy, through the pain of loss and separation, to the celebration of enduring friendship.